What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?

[sunwaters]

I think the best etiquette when eating in a buffet is not to put too much food in your plate if you cannot eat it all or just turn it into waste".

[countrygirl12]

How long can you stay? I had not been to one for a very long time. Do you find that geographically people behave differently?
 

Uh you go in your eat and you leave.  It is one meal and all you want to eat.  Not go in and stay all day and eat 3 meals.

[catherinedwhite]

I agree it is a good way to try different foods that you might not normally eat. I usually eat a plate full then go back for seconds and maybe a dessert, if I'm not too full. Of course my dessert is the fruits.

[sak4kat]

All you can eat... for one meal... take a break and go back for dessert.  But going for a late lunch... hanging out and then eating dinner - that's a no no.   I mean buffets are meant to be a good deal.  And good deals shouldn't be taken advantage of.  That's how good things are ruined for everyone.

[gsdoss]

I have small plates so a little of everything

[pectacon]

I like a buffet but my appetite is so small the price isn't usually worth it. I know they have to price it to cover the assumption that you're going to eat a ton.

As with most things I'd say think about if you were the restaurant owner. Would you want somebody coming in and grazing through breakfast lunch and dinner all on one tab? Probably not. Eat what you want but don't be wasteful just because you can be.

[judylucas]

I very rarely go to buffets   I'm not a very big eater and feel I don't get my moneys worth

[yikes77]

Last time I went for a buffet, there was a note indicating that you would be charged for the weight for whatever food you left on your plate.  Weird thing to see, but make sense since people tend to load up on food and eat too quickly.  I normally got for a plate or two of appetizers, 2 plats of the main dishes (though in smaller portions) and smaller desserts.  I also tend to eat slowly so I know when to stop.

[amyDAST]

How long can you stay? I had not been to one for a very long time. Do you find that geographically people behave differently?

I don't watch other peoples actions when I go to a buffet. I would say common sense behavior is in order, don't pick food up from the buffet line with your hands, always use a clean plate when getting back in line. I don't think there is a time limit for a buffet I assume when they are getting ready to close they would ask you to leave but that is only fair for the workers. I tend to eat what I want with my family & then leave. If I had to guess I would say the longest I had ever been at a buffet was when my husbands sister got married and we all went out to eat after the bride & groom drove off. With eating & talking we spent about an hour and a half at the restaurant.

[ghunter]

Not sure if there is proper etiquette at an all you can eat buffet.  Just eat what you can and leave, don't try to take anything with you.

[steveng1]

Don't literally eat all you can eat. Try to keep it healthy  don't be annoying.

Other then that you should be alright, just bring the cash. I'm sure fusion cash could pay for a meal or two if that's what you wanted to do. 

[dwiley11]

every time I go there, there is at least 1 person that makes me feel nausciaus,  that person that has 5 empties on the table and is there before you and leaves after you.  and is either wearing sweat pants or a moo-moo

[quietpal]

I like  buffets. One of the things I don't like is when people are greedy and fill their plates with one food, leaving none for anybody else. Or I have to wait until the kitchen staff bring out more. It's like you're not the only one eating here.
Another thing that busts my buttons is when you look over at a table and there's so much wasted food after the people have left.

[davidh121]

The only etiquette I can think of in a way in regards to buffet is hopefully eat everything on your plate or rather, minimize waste. The other is you're not really supposed to take the food home.

[Bigpar31]

Haven't been to one in ages. But chow down